CHESTERFIELD – Grants for 21st-Century Community Learning Centers are making a difference in the lives of Chesterfield County Public Schools students living in the county’s poorest areas. Since 2004, the school system has received more than $8 million to provide targeted remediation and enrichment at 11 schools.
The Virginia Department of Education announced this year’s 21st-Century Community Learning Center grants Aug. 4, and Chesterfield County Public Schools won one of the 33 competitive grants awarded in the state. The latest grant will provide before- and after-school programs during the school year, plus four weeks of summer programs, at Chalkley Elementary.
The grants, which are funded with federal Title IV money, last for three years as long as schools follow grant guidelines. Four schools in the county received grants in 2014 and two received grants in 2015, so a total of seven Chesterfield County schools will have 21st-Century Community Learning Centers in the 2016-17 school year.
“These grants are helping create positive school environments that engage students and staff in innovative and relevant work,” said Dr. James F. Lane, superintendent for Chesterfield County Public Schools. “I want our students and staff members to love coming to school every day. Student engagement will be our focus; if we master that, then student progress will follow.”
Grants are awarded each year, and schools are eligible to re-apply when their three-year grants end. Within Chesterfield County Public Schools, Ettrick Elementary has won a total of three 21st-Century Community Learning Center grants, and Falling Creek Elementary has won two 21st-Century Community Learning Center grants.
Grant awarded in 2016
Chalkley Elementary will receive $180,887 each year to offer before- and after-school programs starting in late September for 75 to 120 students in grades 2-5. Targeted instruction, remediation, and enrichment will focus on reading and math. Summer programming will offer four weeks of academic enrichment to maintain learning through the summer. Communities In Schools of Chesterfield serves as partner and co-applicant. Other partners include the Chesterfield County Youth Planning and Development Department Prevention Services of the Chesterfield County Mental Health Department and Bon Air United Methodist Church.
